It’s their Graduation Ball. Everyone is having fun. This is the only time were all of the senior students of every department in their university can gather. Jewel was looking for Cherrie everywhere but no luck, she decided to go back in their assigned table. Shes walking slowly trying to alleviate the pain of the blisters on her heels, she accidentally bump on one of the student trying to walk pass through the dance floor, her sight turned in the east pathway and there she saw Cherrie. She apologizes before looking back in the east pathway. Now Cherrie is not alone, she's with her boyfriend Larry. From a distant Jewel knows they are arguing and she had an idea what is it all about. Earlier before she lost sight of Cherrie she saw her dancing with Frank Mason and based on her best friend stories Larry is very jealous with Frank. She sighed and return to her sit. After a while Cherrie is now heading in her direction.
“Jewel I'm heading home first. I'm not feeling well."
“Are you sure?" she asked and Cherrie answered by nodding. “Alright, I'll go back with you."
They were friends and neighbors since childhood so they usually go home together after school especially if they don't have any other commitments.
She is about to get up from her sit and put her drinks down when Cherrie wave her hands, a signal for her to stay seated. She looks at her as if asking "why?"
“Stay here and enjoy the party."
"Cherrie you said you’re not feeling well, I'll worry if you head
homealone."Cherrie caught on her concern. They are friends since they were 9 yrs. Old. She's always worried when it comes to Cherrie’s health.
Cherrie slowly sits next to Jewel.
“I’m just upset with Larry,I know I won't be abletoenjoythisnightso Iwant to go home." Cherrie held her hands.
“So don't mind me, enjoy the last night of our college days. Don't spoil the night because of my childish fight with my boyfriend."
Cherrie kissed her on the chick and stand up.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Without waiting for her reply Cherrie starts walking.
Jewel did not insist, she knows already that her best friend wants to be alone; suddenly she remembered she has the key of the car. They drove together at the university complex using Cherrie's car. She thought of letting her drive her car home, she will get drunk later and couldn't drive anyway.
She got up, excuses herself from the table and ran after Cherrie. She looked left and right in the cross wing but no sign of her. Jewel went out and looks in the parking area.
"Wow, she was fast!" She can't help but shrugged her shoulder before turning back.
She was about to enter the complex entrance when she notice a silhouette inside a nearby car, without thinking she walked near it to ask if the person know and saw Cherrie passed by. She wasn't able to go nearer, on her surprise that’s Cherrie kissing a man inside. When the heated kisses stop she was able to recognize the man. He's Frank Mason a Law major in their university.
She can't believe it, her best friend as pure as snow is cheating. She bit her lower lip while thinking about Larry, her eyes showed emotions that were kept deep inside her heart for a long time. The two people inside the car don’t seem to notice her presence. When she was about to let them know she's here she heard Cherrie.
"Let's go, where are you taking me?"
"It's a surprise, you'll love it."
Cherrie straightens her crumpled clothes, on impulse Jewel hide behind the nearby pillar. She moaned after realizing she wants them to see her so she could talk to Cherrie about Larry. She gets back from her daze after she heard the sound of the moving car speeding away.
She was completely dumbfounded by her best friend behavior. How can she cheat on Larry, they have been together for about two years. She still remember the love struck face when Cherrie mention about her first boyfriend. She was happy for her and the looked as if her best friend is on cloud nine it makes her excited to meet this so called boyfriend. Jewel has previous relationship compared to Cherrie so she genuinely wants to support her. Thinking back she also remembered the pain and dismay that flooded her entire being after knowing that the person she loves secretly was also the same person that makes her best friend blush.
Staring blankly still looking at where Frank's car passed by, she murmured "What should I do?"
She feels sad towards Larry but at the same time her heart is also hoping that she still have a chance. Jewel walk back inside the university complex where the ball is being held. She can still hear the music. She can't help but look for Larry, she went to the East pathway where she last saw him with Cherrie, no sign of him. She checked the buffet lounge still no Larry in sight. She went back to her sit without finding the man she longed for.
The dean announced the end of the ball. Feeling down she can't help but groaned, displeased that she can't find Larry.
She's out in the parking lot now and noticed a group of people chatting and planning where to go next for the after party. She heard them agreed on going to the most popular bar in the West Country. Checking them out she smiled knowing this group of people are a bunch of rich kids. Surely after graduation all of them will be trained and work in their family business that reminds her of Cherrie and Larry that both came to a well-known and richest clan in West Country.
Cherrie's family owned chains of mall and hotel globally while Larry's family owned a global entertainment, advertising and marketing company. People might wonder how she became friends with Cherrie. Jewel is not from a wealthy family but she can say they are well off compared to regular household in West Country. Her dad work as the CEO’s assistant of Hall Industry, one of the biggest Construction and Real Estate Company.
Looking back Cherrie become her best friend because of an incident, way back when they were 9 years old. She saves Cherrie from a pervert. The Miller family lives in the most expensive and luxurious neighborhood but that day someone was able to sneak in and passed through their tight security.
As she recalled since her mom left them her dad usually takes her to have fun when his free of work especially week ends. One Saturday morning when they are about to go fishing and camping, the CEO called asking her dad to get some important papers in the office and drop by to send it in their home. The Halls live in the same neighborhood as Cherrie. She gasped when the car stop in front of the Hall residence. It's big and that time she thought it was a castle. Her dad instructed her to stay in the car and wait for him but as a child with a small patience in her body she gets out of the car. She was awestruck how beautiful the place then mindlessly walked and looked around. She ends up in the neighborhood park. Her eyes glistened seeing all the child amenities. She was about to go and try the swing when she heard a disgruntled voice. She looks around but no one, no other people or kids. She thought she's just hearing things when she heard another sound, a whimper coming behind the big slide.
Curiously she walked like a cat. She peeked and there she saw a man covering a little girl's mouth. He's even trying to pull the girl shorts with one hand. It's a good thing the girl was actually wearing a belt. She was quick witted and understand what was happening she looked around, no one near to ask for help. She looked back at the scene and realized the man has no weapon. She's on a taekwondo class and got a little courage, nearby she saw a broomstick probably forgotten by the cleaners in the area. Slowly she picked it up and in pull strength without hesitations she hit the man on his head. In pain he let go of the girl. Knowing she will be over powered if the man fight back she didn't stop hitting him and the other girl watched her with wide eye. Fortunately her dad started looking for her with security guard and they were able to block the man when he recovers and tried to attack her. It was a dreadful day for the people of the neighborhood and she knows that a lot of security personnel lost their job because of the incident. What worse was they are not able to go fishing and camping. They were invited in the police station to provide statement.
After that day the Millers invited them for dinner with the Halls. Cherrie's mom was so grateful she wants Jewel to become playmates with her daughter and they even asked her dad to transfer her in the same school as Cherrie. Since it was a very expensive school her dad politely declined the idea even if they offer to cover her tuition. Respecting her dad's decision and since her school is a semi private and has a good reputation as well they end up transferring Cherrie instead. They thought it will be a great experience for their daughter to be friends with common people. The Halls and the Millers have a business cooperation hence they were friends so they promised also to raise her dad's salary. From then on Cherrie becomes her best friend. Who knows that one day they will also fall in love with the same man?
Someone called her attention that brought her back to the present. It was Simon Hall, the young master that her dad might serve in the future. Her dad has still many years working as the CEO assistant.
"Hi Simon!" She startled after seeing Larry is among his crowd.
"Hey, we're also going to continue the party. Want to join?"
"Where?" She absentmindedly asked while still looking at Larry
"Almost everyone is going to Chateau Bar, it will be crowded so we will go to Berlin Bar next to Williams Building."
She glances at Simon's friends, they seem harmless and most of them has a woman hooked in their arms, aside from that Larry is with them. She wants to be with him just this time until she could talk to Cherrie and clarify her feelings.
“Okay, let me call my dad."
After the short call, they hurriedly left after Simon introduced her to his friends. She drove using Cherries car. When they entered the bar, Larry seems still out of it and entirely oblivious to his surroundings.
"What's wrong with him." she still asked Simon though she can guess it.
Although she saw Cherrie left with Frank she still doesn’t like jumping to conclusions. Simon looked at Larry before he whispered to her.
"He fought with Cherrie. You don't know? He's jealous. Very jealous I should say."
Simon lowered his voice even more and looked at Larry for the last time. "I think its Frank Mason."
She's still contemplating what to say when one of Simon's friends called out for them to sit. Simon sat next to his friend and the only sit left is next to Larry. When she sits next to him, he turned and their eyes met. She gave him a nod and smile. He's now out of trance, he seems to recognize her, and he smiled back.
She was so absorbed drinking and listening to Simon's friend comical storytelling when Larry leaned and spoke next to her ears. She was stunned for a moment and almost drops her glass of wine. She can sense he's serious tone.
"Do you know where Cherrie went?"
The bar is so noisy so she understands why he needs to talked near her earlobe. She can feel his warm breath. She had to answer the same way, she leaned closer.
"She's not feeling well and returned home early."
Lying left a bad after taste in her mouth but what can she do. She doesn't want to pour gas into the flame. She's determined to talk with Cherrie tomorrow. She needs to know what she really feels about Larry and if she no longer loves him. She will now have a chance and she will confess to him.
The night is long; beer and wine keep on coming nonstop. From time to time Larry will talk to her; he looks a lot better when he smiles. He's already playing along with his friends. He still has this cold and enigmatic aura around him. She noticed a lot of girls in their table keep stealing glances at him.
When it's time to end the party, everyone is drunk. She looked at Simon, he's already asleep since he is her dad young master and as her childhood friend she can't just ignore him. The others started to go. She tried to wake up Simon and called he's residence to get someone to pick him up. Only few people are left and those are just waiting for their drivers.
Larry tapped her shoulder and asked.
"Why aren't you leaving?" On her perspective Larry is also dead drunk but it's so nice of him to concern himself about her.
"I'm just waiting for Simon's driver to get him."
"You two seem close. Are you going with them?" She glances at him when he sat next to her.
"We're childhood friends, my dad work as his father's assistant." Her phone rang before she can say more. She stood up and gestured to take the call.
"Dad, Yes I'm still with Simon, I called Mrs. Hall and she's sending the driver." When she looked back at Larry, he's sitting on the chair next to Simon. He dozed off as well, she grinned, and he looks adorable. "Why these big guys are so light weight." She was able to hold her liquor well.
The Hall's driver arrived. She helps him to get Simon up his shoulder.
She took her purse and tapped Larry's shoulder to wake him up but he didn't budge. She put his arms on her shoulder and wrapped hers on his waist. She sighed looking at him sideways he's really good looking she can't understand why Cherrie chose to be with Frank today. She knows he lives in the next building so she walked and steadies him on her arms.
She's sweating a lot and out of breath when she reach the lobby of Williams Building. The receptionist recognized Larry and asked one of the guards to help her. They rode the especial elevator that only leads in the owner’s apartment.
She was stupefied, when they got out of the elevator the entrance door is just a few walks away. The Guard has his own access card to open the door. She was relieved after the guard laid Larry down in the sofa. He courteously said goodbye to her.
She looked around and said "sorry for intruding." She went to the kitchen and took out a bottle of water from the fridge. She's went back to Larry, she urged him to drink some water. After a few minutes she received a message from her dad.
"Congratulations again on your graduation. Dad is sorry we can't celebrate today. I'm heading to the airport with the CEO let's do that once I'm back. I already asked for a leave after this. Take care. I love you."
The CEO of Hall Industry has an urgent business trip and as an assistant her father needs to go with him. When she was young she used to be sad but now she understands. Her dad is an orphan they don't have any relatives and when her mother left them her dad did everything he can for them to get through and since her Dad has a good relationship with the Halls every time his with the boss for a business trip they will allow her to stay in their guess room. No one needs to look after her since she's a self-sufficient child.
She replied right away.
"That's okay dad, you be careful too. I love you. Don't forget my gift when you get back."
She's feeling tired and a little tipsy now. Since her dad is not home she doesn’t really need to drive home. She decided to stay on a nearby hotel in the area.
After reading her dad's last reply she's not in a hurry to get home. She booked a room in a nearby hotel. She wants to make sure that Larry can rest comfortably she looked around the house to find his room. When she opens the first door it was a study. There's three more door, the other two is locked and the next one she opened is definitely he's room. She peeked inside; the color is a black and white monochrome. The only one that stands out is the green color of indoor plants that's in the corner. She leaves the door open and went back to the living room.She looked at Larry still figure in the sofa. The urge within her that wants to make her beloved to rest comfortably convinced her to move him in the room.She immediately held him up wrapped her arms to his waist and dragged him gently to his room. Her long gown is making it hard for her to walk. She let out a sigh of relief after she put him on the bed. She contemplat
Larry felt the hot rays of sunshine coming from the balcony. He can feel his morning wood touched a soft mound. He was a bit confused then a sudden realization hit him. He slept with a woman last night as he recognized the woman's face he felt a little guilty. She is his girlfriend's best friend. He totally lost it last night.His fully aware of what he did. He actually slept naked just to savor the warmth of her body. His lust gets the best of him. Considering he knows she's not his girl to mess. He suddenly senses a piercing stare. His eyes met a teary gazed."Cherrie...”"What's the meaning of this?"Jewel opened her eyes. She heard a familiar voice. The moment she raised her upper body the pain streamed al
At first Larry was so upset at falling to Jewel scheme to seduce and eventually ruined his relationship with Cherrie.He also thought that night it was only natural for him to crave a woman's body since he was dry for 2 yrs. Cherrie wants to keep her chastity for their wedding night. He respected her decision because he loved her. He firmly believes that Jewel used this chance to entice him.Cherrie's last words still lingered in his head. It's because he slept with her best friend that she won't take him back.He chuckled sarcastically now at the thought.This morning he received a message from one of his friend. He gritted his teeth as he looked at the message.Hey bro, I just heard the news today, did you really slept with Cherrie's bff? I went to Angolia Beach with my girlfriend so it sl
Jewel arrived home and went directly to her bathroom. She noticed a purplish bruised on her wrist and some other red marks on her body. She soaked in a warm bath. She smiled full of bitterness. How could Cherrie set her up like that? She really pushed her to the edge. She received a message from Cherrie explaining things and now she understood why Larry is angry. He was a fool for misunderstanding her. He planned on using her until his ego is satisfied. That’s not going to happen. She loves him but she's not someone who will cry and silently accept his torture. She is not a sort of heroin in the novel who can endure hardship and live happily ever after. She won’t stand by and wait until her love interest realized his mistakes. She's going to leave everything behind.She was offered to work abroad. Her dad's boss wanted her to work with Simon in his Branch office in Australia. After a warm bath she dialed her father's number to let hi
Larry's face was stoned cold. He called the number that the investigator gave him but Jewel did not answer his call. He knows that the message he sent was seen but there was no reply. His currently still in San Diego, he hired a professional to check on Jewel and report all details about her. Since he left West Country he was constantly reminded of her face. At first he thought he just like her at his bed but there's a big lump on his chest every time he remembered her crying face the last night he shared with her. She was warm and he was her first. He wants that woman only for himself. He totally forgot about Cherrie. Now looking at the pictures of these two, the most beautiful in his eyes is the smiling photo of Jewel.
One by one Mrs. Hall introduced her to the other members of the Hall clan. They are patiently waiting for the man of the house to finish their talk. Everyone knows that the heir is the most important part of their conservative family. No matter how they opposed if there’s a baby on the way they can’t do anything about it. Since the oldest heir of the main family branch died Simon is the remaining pure bloodline of the Hall.After the introduction Mrs. Hall instructed the servants to prepare the dining hall. Once the food and tables are ready she asked everyone to take their sit.
Larry went back to West Country after he finishes all the important works in San Diego. The main headquarters of Williams Enterprise was transferred in West Country. He may still need to fly back in San Diego for time to time since some work operations can’t be transferred entirely in West Country.He was checking some of the documents that needed his signature when he heard a knocked at the door.
Jewel was in a panic after seeing Larry at the party. Her legs wobbled and her voice got stuck in her throat. She's speechless.She was glad and assured when Simon holds her waist tightly and gently caressed her hands for support.On her behalf Simon keeps the conversation going.The entire time, Larry was insulting her and Simon spoke up for her. He sounds like a man who’s so in love and ready to accept his woman's past.
Simon was feeling ecstatic. The talked with Joane gave him confidence that everything will be alright and he just need to talk to Jewel. He can't wait to reach home. When he parked the car he saw his father waiting at the door. He approached him. "Hi dad!" "Your grandfather was waiting in the library." They both entered the home and walked side by side. Passing by the living room he saw all the other elders of the family. "Why is everyone here today?" Simon noticed his uncle Damian's sulking face. "Did uncle mess up something again." He lowered his voice making sure that his dad can only hear him yet he did not received any response from him. "Grandpa!" Simon greeted and gave him a gentle hug. "Sit down." Grandpa looked at Simon with pity thinking his grandson was unaware of the truth. "Why everyone's look so serious? It's not news anymore if uncle Damian created trouble after all. " Simon chuckled still unable to hide his good mood. "Your right but this time this invol
Larry sense the sincerity in Simon's voice. He excused himself to get something in his suite. He took another envelop in his closet. Jewel was still sleeping on his bed. He stayed for a few minutes and gazed at her sleeping face. "Here..." Larry threw the envelop at Simon. His agile enough to catch it and not hit him. Simon gave him a sharp look."What's this?" "Go ahead and look at it." With a furrowed brow Simon opens the envelop. He freezes and glared at Larry. "How did you even get this?" Simon clicked his tongue. Larry shrugged his shoulder. "I have my sources." "Is this the picture you showed to Jewel?" "No, I used the old one; Im trying not to use it as much as possible." "Why?" "That woman is important to me." "What?! Simon hissed. Larry swallowed his laughter. He did it on purpose, he wants to know Simon's reaction. The woman his with in the picture was his dearest cousin and he wants to make sure Simon's feelings were not trivial although he had a rough guest that
Hi guys, thank you for reading my book. English is not my mother tongue but I hope you still enjoy my stories. Don't be afraid to comment anything about my work. Writing is a hobby closest to my heart since I was young.I started publishing here due to lockdown(covid19) and staying at home it help me alot to battle anxiety for not having a job. Sadly, I've been busy with work now and not able to write freely. One thing I can assure who love this story it will be completed.I will try to update as much as possible.Keep safe and Happy reading.
Larry's lips curled up after he saw the picture sent by Robert Seymour. He was planning on using every possible way to get Jewel and now he just receives a very useful trump card. He doesn't want wasting time. He dialed Jewel's number right away. "What do you want?!" Jewel's irritated voice can't be hidden. It was painful but Larry strongly believes that he can open her heart to him once again. He just needs to endure her anger for now. "I need to talk to you tomorrow." Larry keeps his calm. "I don’t want to see or talk to you anymore. Leave me in peace will you! I’m hanging up..." She received Larry's call around 4 am she thought it was Simon since he didn’t come home. She did not even bother to look at the caller ID. She really wished she did not answer. Larry did not call again but instead he send Jewel a picture, the place and time he wants to meet the next day. Even if she didn’t reply he was sure that she will be there. When Jewel received a message from Larry she contempl
After Simon talked to Larry he was always in deep thoughts. Now he knows that Larry love Jewel and cared for her. As a friend he wants what’s best for Jewel but right now they were in a very compromising facade. The lie that’s been told was not easy to reverse and resolve. He’s not scared even if Larry released the information about him to the media what he cared the most is how will Jewel deal with the aftermath. “Where have you been?” Jewel asked when Simon enters their room. “You’re still up, are you waiting for me?” “Yes.” Jewel scrutinized his face. “I think… did you really forget?” “What?” Simon’s eyes widen when he come to realize that he was supposed to go with his grandfather to meet with the elders. “Is there any problem?” Jewel looks worried. “No, I just met an old friend that I totally forgot today's plan.” Simon scratches his chin. “Tsk…grandpa must be really upset. I’ll go and talk to him.” “Don’t worry Baby Liam’s was able to pacify grandpa.” Jewel wink. “How?”
Love is something we thought we can control. Just like we often heard a heart wants what it wants. The encounter with Larry yesterday opens up an old wound. He’s still as charming like he used to in her heart. Deep inside Jewel hopes that he will follow her, try to talk to her and maybe tell her that he loves her. That’s a mad thought she chuckled inwardly. From the start Larry just used her body like she was an easy girl to toy with and when the truth came out she was blamed and was used to relieve his anger and ruined ego. Before she gets out of the sea food restaurant she
"You have more money than I am. It’s unfair to you coz I can get more money from you than you are to me." Jewel called her dad to invite him for dinner in Hall's Mansion. They have to talk about the wedding details. She was still anxious about the future but everyone was expecting a wedding sooner or later. She reaches the point of no return unless Simon says that he no longer wants to marry her.
It has been a month since Jewel return to West Country. She mostly stayed at Hall's Mansion. She personally looks after her son. She was pampered by the household. Mrs. Hall requested that the baby sleep in their room once or twice which she gladly obliged. The first few days in the mansion, guilt was eating her away especially when she watch the people around her give so much love and affection towards her baby. Simon keep's reminding her that it's okay, she was doing him a favor and in the first place it's his own doing. He was the one who announced it without informing her. In the end she learned to accept the fact and the situation. She promised that she will return their graciousness a thousand fold.
He can't believe it, he was not aware that Simon and Jewel will be staying in West Country for good. He thought he got everything under control; he spent a lot of money just to rent the apartment next to their unit. This is the failure of his second plan to be near his beloved. This is all because of Jewel if she's not around. Simon will stay in Australia for a long time until he inherits the rights to manage the family business.